United Airlines to Charge for Overhead Bin Use in 'Basic Economy'

Looking to save even more money on flights? You're in luck. Already feeling the squeeze of economy class, and can't imagine how things can possibly get worse? You may want to stop reading. In November, United Airlines announced that come early 2017, it will debut a "basic economy" class, with no-frills fares and stripped-down amenities. In a climate where larger airline companies are losing customers to ultra low-cost carriers like Allegiant, Spirit, and Frontier, the move is hardly surprising (other Big Three cohort members Delta and American Airlines announced that they would implement basic economy fares earlier this year). But what does a basic economy seat on United entail?

In short, not much. Though MileagePlus program members will earn redeemable award miles, they will not earn Premier qualifying credit (miles, segments, or dollars), and no lifetime miles. Customers booking basic economy fares will also be the last to board, will not be eligible for Economy Plus or premium cabin upgrades, and will not be able to choose their seats in advance. (Hello, middle seat!) Perhaps the biggest change from economy to basic economy, however, comes in the form of the ever-contentious carry-on: United's policy prevents basic economy fliers from bringing full-size carry-ons onto the plane altogether, unless the flier is a MileagePlus Premier member, primary cardholder of a qualifying MileagePlus credit card, or Star AllianceTM Gold member. Beginning January 1, 2017, Basic Economy travelers must either pay to check their luggage or pay to use the overhead bin. That's right, folks—personal items 9 inches x 10 inches x 17 inches only. (The airline has not yet revealed how much it will charge travelers to use overhead storage, but it costs $25 to check a first bag on United, and $35 for an additional bag.)

There's no word yet on the cost of United's basic economy seats, but travelers can expect that they'll be priced competitively in order to challenge low-cost carriers' hold on certain routes: think $49 one-way from Cedar Rapids to Salt Lake City, for example. Looking to go up an economy fare class, instead of down? You're in luck: Delta and American are rolling out their new premium economy classes through 2017, and United will no doubt be close behind.

This article was originally published on November 15. It has been updated with new information.